Extra! Extra! (4.28)
Know that groovy feeling after a long, grueling business trip is finished and you finally walk through your casa's front door? Well, that sums up the Lakers' mindset as they're back in Staples. And with that sense of comfort, they're hoping comes a W in tonight's pivotal game 3 against Phoenix. The overriding concept thus far has been "team," with the Lakers making a conscientious effort to work as a unit. Yeah, there have been folks who've stood out. Lamar Odom's play has been sick and Shawn Marion is really sick of keeping track of his whereabouts. The whole thing's been noteworthy enough to capture the stat-riddled mind of John Hollinger. Kwame Brown's stepped it up, on and off the court. And really, you can go around the horn and find something nice to say about everyone logging minutes in L.A.'s rotation. It's easy (and likely quite accurate) to credit Phil Jackson for the united front's that been forged. But props must also go to Kobe Bryant for wholeheartedly buying in and trusting his boys. Ironically, as Kobe's become less compelled to pull out all the stops, the more the accolades keep piling on.
photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty
Lakers will win tonight.
Final score:
Lakers 147
Suns 9
Posted by: LakerKev | April 28, 2006 at 09:37 AM
GO LAKERS!
MAKE THEM OBEY!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 09:38 AM
A win tonight would be huge . . . the Lakers cannot let up and be happy with just pulling even in Phoenix, they need to finish the job here at home and close out the series in Phoenix next week. Lets go Lake Show!
Posted by: Laker Fan | April 28, 2006 at 09:38 AM
What makes me think the Lakers have the upper hand in this series? Listen to Phoenix's rebuttals against the critics. All their talk is about heart and effort - notice no mention of strategy. Yeah, the Suns want to run, but how? If Phoenix doesn't make any adjustments to their strategy, I don't care how hard they play, they're going to lose to PJ's game plan 8 times out of 10.
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | April 28, 2006 at 09:47 AM
D'Antoni wants a "48 minutes of hell" offensive mind-set to get back to goals that now seem heavenly.
They are coming out tonight with a aggressive mentality! We stop that tonight, which I think we will, and their done!
48 minutes of hell?
MAKE THEM OBEY THE LAWS OF FUNDAMENTAL BASKETBALL!
The only thing the Suns will say after the game is: Hell, what happened?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 09:54 AM
i lookin forward to this game..i think if we can take this game we'll win the series because we'll mess up phoenix's whole confidence..i hope we do..but i dunno..i got a strange feelin about tonight..hope im wrong.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Mike G | April 28, 2006 at 09:55 AM
we have the mamba. we are led by the most ruthless assassin in the NBA. we wont let up. this is just the beginning!
lakers 106
suns 99
Posted by: phil | April 28, 2006 at 10:01 AM
good call blind worshipper...all the suns can say is we are gonna have to push the ball even more..it ain`t gonna happen, especially on our home floor
Posted by: kleander | April 28, 2006 at 10:05 AM
Are we having a live Blog-O-Cast tonight?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:10 AM
i am worried about this game. the Suns played better in the 2nd half of last game. If they hit a couple more shots (you know Marion can't get this cold all series), and Lakers didn't hit those clutch shots (you know sasha can't hit 3 out of 5 threes all series long), it could have gone the other way.
i wondered if phoenix would tried to guard kobe one-on-one to start the game this time, and not let the rest of the guys get any rhythm, confidence, open shots. they will probably double if lakers get down low instead (as in 2nd half of last game). i think they will be more happy if kobe gets 50 pts.
Posted by: phil | April 28, 2006 at 10:12 AM
I think tonight is just as much a just win as Wednesday night's game. Why? Because I don't think a young team like the Lakers can afford to fall behind 2-1 especially on their home floor.
The Lake Show need to continue to slow down the Suns running game and discourage them. Another slow pace win like that for the Lakers may just be what breaks their wills and shakes their confidence beyond repair.
Conversly, a win for the Lakers will continue to build their confidence, and allow Kobe's trust in his teammates to continue to grow.
BTW, am I the only one that thinks Kwame Brown's recent play reminds them of a younger Jermaine O'Neal. For those who don't remember O'Neal averaged 13 and 9 his first season with the Pacers. Kwame's late season surge of 12 and 8 did a lot to remind me of that.
Am I the only one who thinks this?
Posted by: Xodus | April 28, 2006 at 10:14 AM
We all know the Lakers need to win these two games at home if they have a chance in this series. Then they will have 3 games to close them out with game 6 being their best chance.
That dunk by Kobe was his greatast showing of athleticsm since that dunk last year in Orlando. Kobe doesn't do it as often as he used to, but he sure did it at the right time. I honestly didn't think Kobe had the same athleticsm anymore. He proved me wrong in that game!
Posted by: Zen | April 28, 2006 at 10:16 AM
last post game interview, Kobe said this is a "pretty even keeled" team...let's hope that's true. There is no question they are a confident bunch, especially if that "15" games thing was really on the locker room board after the game. However, there is confidence, and there is overconfidence. I hope we stay on the former, cause we are a young team in need of it, but we must also and always stay hungry. We have accomplished nothing. (While I've said yesterday what ever happens, I'm happy----is still true) As a team, our goals have not been reallized. We came in the playoffs with a mentality that we were going to make some noise, and to do that you have to win.
I trust in our veterans, and especially Phil and Kobe to keep this team at it's present mindset. I know LO is certainly hungry, and has shown remarkable determination/attack...but the whole team still needs to be as hungry and as determined as before. I trust we will do so.
Go Lakers! Playoffs baby!
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Kobe knows, Phil knows. It's on now and we'll be ready.
They'lll come at us.
They will push it. It's desperate time for them.
If they're shooting lights out, which I doubt, it could be tough.
They're still the Phoenix Suns with Nash and we'll have to take it from them like we did in Phoenix.
So far the games have been played our way, and Phoenix would have to get insane hot for that to change. We withstood the 1st quarter of game one, we know how to push back now. GOOOOO
Posted by: Vman | April 28, 2006 at 10:20 AM
xodus,
I was thinking the same thing yesterday. I went to O'Neal's career stat line and yeah, they are very similar. I watch some highlights of O'Neal's game yesterday, and Kwame has the same type of moves in the low post. Spinning towards the basket, just that O'Neal has more control of his shot after the spin than Kwame does. But I think that's just a matter of experience. Great observation!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:26 AM
24 = the ocho x 3
kobe wants to be three times as great in his second decade in the L
let's all hope our boys wear the "i'm about to kick your butt" gold jerseys tonight and not those "fairie" whites (phil's words)!
kobe calls the gold jerseys the "gold armor." wearing it gives the players more confidence.
this is the playoffs -- gold only!
Posted by: tommy | April 28, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Michael Teniente,
;0)
Posted by: ocho | April 28, 2006 at 10:28 AM
BTW,
Hi Faith!
;-)
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:29 AM
BTW, again,
Great Job on the links, AK/BK.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:30 AM
My guess is that Kobe wanted his number changed before this season (The new era with Phil), but he didn't realize the rule of 6 months in advance.
Posted by: Zen | April 28, 2006 at 10:31 AM
2 X 4 is 8.
Kobe has 2 kids. So that makes a family of 4.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:33 AM
If he has another kid, he'll change is number to 35. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Tonight's game is going to be great. I only wish I was in LA to watch it. ;_; Anyways, I'm curious as to wether or not Lamar can keep his game at this level. I sure hope so. I remember him doing the same thing in stretches with the Heat in the playoffs.
As for the Suns getting out and running, I really think it will be a matter of how disciplined our guys are tonight. I mean the crowd is going to cheer wildly everytime the Lakers run and score (thereby encouraging them to run). If we can resists the urge to run (that quick 3 by Jimmy Jackson broke my heart before it even left his hands on wednesday--I thought it was all going to come apart). Lakers will be cheered on by our home crowd every time they do get out on the break.
Resist the urge. I must say though with Kobe, Lamar and Smush bringing the ball up, I am confident we can slow it down.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: poyorick | April 28, 2006 at 10:39 AM
Honestly, I think Kobe is honoring his family. The great number 8 is now 24. I think that when Kobe has his jersey retired, he wants a symbol of his family to hang up their with him. No more solo act for Bryant. He has a family. The boy has become a man! GOD BLESS KOBE'S FAMILY AND TEAM!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:42 AM
lol, Mike
You guys are making it all too complicated...it's all about "2-4 six eight who do we appreciate? Kobe Kobe Kobe" lol...jk
tommy,
I think they're definitely be wearing the "golden armour" tonight. The white "fairies" uniform are their sunday whites. Let's hope that golden armour--especially the name in front of it, in the playoffs, not only gives us pride, but motivation (we are the lakers!).
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 10:42 AM
poyorick
"that quick 3 by Jimmy Jackson broke my heart before it even left his hands on wednesday--I thought it was all going to come apart"
my thoughts, exactly!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 10:44 AM
They booed Kobe whenever he touched the ball (except for the mvp chant during his fts lol) I say we yell "fake mvp" whenever Nash touches the ball...lol...joke only (don't hurt me ;-)
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 10:44 AM
I agree that all I've heard from the Suns camp is about doing whatever it takes to get out and run and move the tempo. First, I think the Lakers are doing a great job pounding the ball inside to limit long rebounds off of jumpers. Whether LO or Kwame convert is not as detrimental as keeping those long rebounds to a minimum. Second, I like the intensity that Smush and Sasha have been showing in defending Nash. They seem to pick him up sooner and make him work just a little harder to find his open guys. What I would like to see PJ throw in a few times is the Lakers trapping Nash full-court after a made bucket. It would be tough to do it all game, but every now and then would be a smart move, just to get the ball out of his hands. Anyway, I'm sure PJ isn't just going to bring the same game plan again, he'll do something to switch things up to give us that edge.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 28, 2006 at 10:44 AM
Mike T,
Kwame and O'Neal definitely have a few similar moves. And while their bodies are pretty similar I think Kwame's looks just a bit bigger and stronger.
The main difference between Kwame and O'Neal is that JO is obviously much more refined and confident. Kwame is a diamond in the rough but he's well on his way.
I gotta give you props Mike T. you're the only one who believed in Kwame on the blog.
Posted by: Xodus | April 28, 2006 at 10:45 AM
to be fair, smooth d also saw in Kwame what Mike T did. ;-)
Andrew Z, " he'll do something to switch things up to give us that edge." good point. I'm not sure he'd change a working game plan...but he'd tweak it to get more advantage for us.
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 10:52 AM
The first 3-6mins of this game is goin to be very important! They are goin to come out swinging tryin to run at every chance and just over power us with there energy. Once we break their spirit in that first quarter i think they go back to there same way of playing in the last 2 games.
Posted by: Bonez | April 28, 2006 at 10:52 AM
How exciting for our young guys to be suiting up in the gold uni's for their first playoff game at home as Laker, let's just hope their eager to deliver their first time out.
I'm not seeing much from the Suns camp about making changes, so other than overall effort I don't expect to see anything different from them tonight. As long as we can match their intensity while controlling the tempo, I think we'll be in good shape.
Posted by: Kevin McK | April 28, 2006 at 10:55 AM
I can't remember how long it's been since I felt this much anticipation leading up to a playoff game...oh wait, yeah I do, it was Wednesday. But I'm feeling confident about tonight. It's gonna be close, may even come down to the last shot, but the home environment will be the X Factor tonight (not Smush). For all you lucky ones in LA that will be in attendance, yell until your voices fade out. If you listen closely, you'll be hearing me scream all the way from Portland.
LET'S DO THIS!!!
Posted by: Justin | April 28, 2006 at 10:55 AM
Faith,
Thanks for saying that about Smoothd! He was the first. I only analysed it, which made it more visible than smoothd. So we have to give smoothd the props!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:00 AM
IT'S ON TONIGHT!!!
The game tonight should be great from a Laker standpoint. I think that our team will continue to build on its defensive game plan and take Phoenix out of its comfort zone. I hope that the crowd is loud and supportive and appreciative of how far this group has come in a short time. It wasn't too long ago that the Lakers were 34-34 and feeling doubts about their chances to even the make the playoffs. Now, they are on the verge of upsetting Scraggly Stevie and his wild bunch, the NBA's media darlings. If they take things slowly and exist in the moment, everything should fall into place. GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 28, 2006 at 11:01 AM
Take care of the ball fellas, and we should be okay. And that goes especially to Smush.... I think we are lucky his mistakes in the last game did not come back and bite us.....
Posted by: tom | April 28, 2006 at 11:03 AM
One thing I noticed watching Wednesday's game was when Lamar takes the the ball on the right side of the basket to the post and backs in Marion, he takes too long to make a move. Nash waits for Lamar to cut down toward the basket and then sneaks in there to draw a charge. Lamar got called for it at least once on Wednesday and they tried it several times. Lamar has to be quicker with his moves or he could end up in foul trouble early in the game, and that could spell trouble for the Lakers who depend on him for drawing the double teams off Kobe.
Laker Fan
Posted by: Laker Fan | April 28, 2006 at 11:05 AM
Faith,
I agree, I don't see a complete change of plans, hell, whatever we're doing is working, right? But I expect the Suns to come out with a TON of energy and really, REALLY try to push the ball. My take is that we try and trap and slow the ball ASAP, picking up Steve Nash full court. With Sasha and Smush we should have the energy. Just a little tweak here and there to keep things interesting.
Also, do you think the Lakers will have Kobe spray paint an "X" over the 15 on the courtside sign like the supposed "contenders" are doing after each win? Do all teams get to do that? Just wondering.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 28, 2006 at 11:06 AM
Faith,
lol Well like Mike said he analyzed it much more thus making him the one we all remember saying talking up Kwame.
But, I guess I've got to give smoothd some props too.
Posted by: Xodus | April 28, 2006 at 11:07 AM
D'Antoni is saying that they will remain the same i.e. run with Nash and win ball games. Actually, they are not saying the adjustments they are making on Game 3. By this time, they have pinpointed the weaknesses of "other" Lakers:
A. Lamar's tendency to commit forcing throughs when driving to the basket. Block the path of Lamar with a second player.
B. Box-out Lamar during rebounds and get him into foul trouble so he will be ineffective in 2nd and 3rd quarter.
C. They will crowd on Kwame before he gets the ball which normally results to high percentage of turnover when the ball gets to him. This was the common mistake of Kwame during the season.
D. They will apply the subtle bump normally done during the playoffs to distract the shooting of Kwame. Kwame does not possess the athletic skills to recover or hang in the air like: Lamar, Smush or Kobe.
E. On their offense, they'll foul-bait on Kwame to get him into foul trouble because Lakers do not have enough centers for the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Mihm and Bynum are not playing so the only legitimate center is Kwame.
F. Smush/Sasha loves to run and do some fastbreaks, they will encourage them to change the tempo of the game by running wild with Nash, commit turnovers in changing pivots and going through the web of double screens.
G. They will trap on Luke to pass the ball in the middle as though it's a lane unguarded but really a ploy for Luke to go on blind passing and a possible turnover or interception.
H. As usual, Kobe will be manhandled by Bell and bait him to lose his temper, he could commit a technical foul or possible physical retaliation because his manhood has been challenged.
If I were PJ, we are aware of these possible adjustments or tactics during playoffs, make the game slower, methodical and take advantage of every small mistakes of the Suns. Lakers, keep you heads cool and use common sense, now that you got even. The head of the desert Phoenix rattler is Nash and rattling tail comes from Marion. So far, we've neutralized the tail, so the noise was severely minimized, it's time to cut the diamond head (literally speaking only)of this hairy rattler and aim for the kill. Based on traditions, this is what we want to witness from the Lakers of 2006 - "the killer instinct."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 28, 2006 at 11:08 AM
STEVE KERR:
"Marion needs to have a 25-point, 12-rebound type of night to give Steve Nash some help and provide that second star Phoenix needs. Marion is most likely to have a game like that if the Suns can run – that's when Marion is at his best. "
It's like these guys don't get it. It's not that the Suns have forgotten their game plan to run, it's that the Lakers aren't allowing them to run. The comments these guys make sound as if Phoenix has a choice in the matter.
That's why my theme for this series is:
MAKE THEM OBEY!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Help! A friend and I are discussing ShowTime of the 80's and we are stuck. We can't remember the missing link in the starting lineup of the '85 championship season
Magic
Kareem
Worthy
Scott
???
Mykal Thompson was coming off the bench, correct? I'm sure one of you guys/girls know. Thanks!
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 11:16 AM
edwin,
That was a cool breakdown! Props, man!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:18 AM
edwin,
By the time the Suns apply all that, they'll be playing at our tempo for sure! I guess we got them where we want them. THINKING!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:20 AM
Edwin, the cool thing about the Suns possible adjustment is that, if the Lakers continue to properly use the triangle, there is an automatic answer for each thing the Suns do. That is why there is so much enthusiasm now, I believe. The team has shown the ability and willingness to play within the system for two games now, even when things were tight and I'm sure it was hard to be disciplined.
We got this.
Posted by: gerry b | April 28, 2006 at 11:21 AM
Yo, did yall hear that Nash had to go to the therapist, he kept having nightmares of kobe's nuts in his face (no homo). I feel that intensity, less three point shots and more attacking the basket we back in Phoenix 3-1.
Posted by: Dirty Rotten Scoundrel | April 28, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Steph,
Wasn't it Rambis?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:25 AM
FYI, there's a recently added piece on Kwame in Extra.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 28, 2006 at 11:30 AM
You've all seen The Matrix right? Not Shawn Marion, but the movie. This series, along with Kobe changing his number from 8 to 24, is like the climax of the movie when Neo is the hallway facing the three agents in a showdown. He realizes his power, stops the bullets in the air instead of dodging them. After they drop harmlessly to the ground, he flexes with elbows out, as the walls bend around him. That's what this series is like for Kobe. Phil Jackson is Morpheus.
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | April 28, 2006 at 11:30 AM
Yeah Faith,
They booed Kobe everytime he touches the ball.
Now at Staples, it's payback time. Let's BOOO that arrogant Raja Bell everytime he touches the ball. Maybe Nash too.
BTW, some of the crowd in phoenix were chanting MVP everytime Kobe goes to the FT line...
And Smush, stop swimming and stop thinking you're on the playground. Keep in mind that it's the NBA playoffs. Post up Nash a little bit more often and he'll be in foul trouble.
And Kwame, again, count three seconds. The refs are calling it against you all season long. you must be aware of it by now.
Go Lakers!!!
Kobe is the real MVP.
Posted by: rondiel | April 28, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Steph, Mike T.
It was A.C. Green
Posted by: rondiel | April 28, 2006 at 11:38 AM
It was Rambis, but they didn't get Thompson until midway through the 1987 season. He was a big piece that year. They got him right before playing the celtics at home; he had a few hours to learn some plays and then played a key role. Magic had 30 some as the lakers rallied from a big deficit. Yes, I've watched the 1987 Lakers team video way too often.
Posted by: shawn | April 28, 2006 at 11:40 AM
The MVP chants will rain for Kobe tonight, Nash will be heavily boo'ed until the crowd gets bored with him.
Thanks for adding the Kwame link AK, good find.
Posted by: Kevin McK | April 28, 2006 at 11:41 AM
I have this weird feeling in my stomach that the Lakers are going to lose a close one tonight...
The good news is that these Lakers have proven me wrong time and time again this year, unlike last year...
On another note, Kobe is starting to become a "leader" now, more so than Jordan ever was. He knows that the guys are going to follow him, no matter what. He knows that everyone regards him as "the best player in the NBA." So there's no desire to showcase his individual talents. Dude knows that he can score 62 or 81.
This year, it'll be a disappointment if they don't make it past this round. They've raised our expectations and there's no going back.
Can you imagine the perfect scenario of meeting the Clippers in the next round, and then Dallas in the WCF? And then Lamar shutting down Nowitski to make it to the Finals? Against Miami?
I know all you Laker fans dream up this scenario! Don't lie!
Posted by: TCLaker | April 28, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Steph,
I'm pretty sure it was AC Green - Rambis came off the bench also!
Posted by: M&M | April 28, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Andrew Z, as far as I know, it's written in the locker room chalk board thingy...so they'd probably just have to erase it and write down 14. Also I think PJ is the one doing so (he wrote it I mean). I don't think all teams do that...it's probably a PJ (good) tactic, especially since we're such a young team.
Thanks Bronx, for defending me yesterday. ;-)
I wonder if "we want tacos" will be chanted tonight...or whether it will upstage the "mvp" chants. lol
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 11:51 AM
I was torn between the two...Rambis and Green. I can't find any info backing it.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 11:52 AM
all we have to do is google lakers history to find out if it was A.C or Rambis.
I'm on the job! Will have the answer soon!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:52 AM
since I was born in 1984...I don't know the answer. But ever the helpful person (tooting my own horn like the K bros...hehe) here's the lineup:
http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/challenge_celtics1986_lakers1987.html
with pictures lol
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 11:54 AM
The answer is Rambis.
A.C. Green wasn't on the team that year.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 11:55 AM
I'm with you Mike T.
Even Charles barkley nade a point on that when he said he disagrees with Steve Nash when the latter kept on saying on the post game press conference that they did not played hard.
Barkley said that the Suns played real hard but they did not play fast. Beacuase the Lakers did not allow them to play fast.
You gotta give credit to the opposing team, Barkley said.
Posted by: rondiel | April 28, 2006 at 11:57 AM
Rambis was never a regular starter, was he?
Posted by: rondiel | April 28, 2006 at 11:58 AM
I think Kobe Bryant should start getting endorsements again. The first company that should sign him up is PLANTERS. Because nobody serves NUTTS up quite like KOBE did to Nash in Game 2. Nash was OWNED!!!!! Cant wait till tonight. I keep rewinding that dunk on tivo over and over again. I think that play beat out Bynums dunk on Shaq for most rewinded/replayed Laker Tivo moment this year. Man when Kobe takes flight he does it all. He's the pilot, the copilot, and the flight attendant. Serving up the NUTTS. I wish I was one of those media guys talking to Nash after the game. My 1st question would have been: Steve, what was it like having Kobes Chocolate Salty Balls in your face. I'm out like the Suns are in this series. Suns = OWNED!!!!! Go Lakers!!!!!
Posted by: Tony G | April 28, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Thanks Faith,
I got a little misty eyed looking at that. Bruce Springsteen's song Glory Days just popped in my head.
Ahhh!
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 12:00 PM
thanks to you too Mike T.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 12:02 PM
oops posted the wrong link....I take back my tooting lol
http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/challenge_lakers1987.html
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 12:02 PM
ahhh! I did it again...nevermind lol
sorry bout that ;-)
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 12:03 PM
Mike T. is right. The Lakers took A.C. Green in the 85 draft. His first year on the team was 85-86 when the Celts beat the Rockets in the Finals.
http://aol.nba.com/playerfile/ac_green/index.html
Posted by: Mike S. | April 28, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Every year during playoff season, I love going to the other teams website and see how their writers are spinning the stories and how their players are viewing the outcomes of each game.
It takes you away from a Laker slant and makes you appreciate the subtleties of the game more.
So from one enthusiast to hopefully many more here is the link to the Suns main webpage:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/
It's the Phoenix "LA Times"...lol...If you already knew about this site thhheeeen forget I ever posted this...
Posted by: Korey | April 28, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Here are some Lakers links for the 85 season.
http://www.lakerstats.com/searoster.php?season=8485
http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls=2=34=374=110812&nbc1=1
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 12:12 PM
I want some friggen tacos tonight!!!
LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!!!!
Posted by: frank1rizzo | April 28, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Edwin,
Kobe and Phil are both great at making in-game adjustments, so they should be able to counter-adjust to anything unexpected. You made good points, but the problem (for the Suns) is that taking those steps opens up something else for the Lakers. If the Suns have to "over focus" on blocking Lamar out for rebounds, that actually makes the Lakers job easier. That will keep at least some of their forwards and center off of the perimeter on offense, and thus take away some of their 3-point shooting. If they do it on defense, to keep him from getting O-rebounds, it will help slow down their transition game. Crowding Kwame will open up Lamar/Luke/Kobe. Kwame getting in foul trouble would be a problem, but he doesn't gamble/leave his feet very much (which can be a disadvantage) so hopefully that won't be an issue. And if it does happen, the Lakers could counter by "going small." (Lamar, Luke, Devean) Overall that is not as good a combination as having Kwame in, but it is not real bad either. And if they are not careful with the "subtle bumps" they will be the ones in foul trouble; which is probably more likely. Kwame is probably not going to take a lot of shots, so him getting put off-balance a little on a few plays won't have a huge impact on the Lakers offense.
I think that Charles B had it wrong the other day. It is the Suns that have to play a perfect game to beat the Lakers, not the other way around. The problem the Suns have is that they don't have a good counter to a team that slows the pace down and does reasonably well on offense. During the season teams tend to get caught up in the running game, and since they generally only play the Suns one game at a time, don't have the opportunity/time to make adjustments. I don't think that the Suns have the personnel to be able to make the equivalent adjustments.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 28, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Faith that was a pretty cool link. I'm wondering if I change the dates on the link, maybe it'll come out right.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Mike,
I tried it...didn't work.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Faith,
I know PJ has 15 on his chalkboard, but the NBA or ABC has those rolling courtside signs with all the numbers from 1 to 16 on them and when a team wins they let a player spray paint an X across the number, counting down all the wins they need for the title. It's like the NBA version of an Advent Calendar. My question is whether or not all the teams get to do that. My gut tells me the Bucks don't have that sign.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 28, 2006 at 12:37 PM
I have only seen detroit do that sign thing. I didn't know it was more teams doing the spraypaint as well.
That's cool, I thought d-rock was getting a little cocky.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | April 28, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Andrew Z,
I'm not sure if it's the NBA or ABC that does them. I saw Lindsay Hunter crossing off the 15 in Detroit... maybe it's just the Pistons that do it?
Posted by: Jova | April 28, 2006 at 01:02 PM
I think lakers can win the series 4-2 if they take care of homecourt. I am really excited to watch the team that wasn't projected to make the playoffs winning in the playoffs against the tough fast suns.
Kobe's number change came random.
i heard he wanted t make it 33 until he realized kareem's number is retired there.
But anyways. Kwame is playing like a premiere center. Lamar is playing excellent, kobe s playing like kobe. and smush...I hope we keep that dude.
and the Luke Walton show has also been very impressive, if i was the lakers i would not trade anybody for garnett...hes getting old anyways. i would want the same exact team with a few additions like kareem rush possibly or sam cassel and another strong forward like boozer.
This team has soooo much chemistry right now theyre almost unstoppable
Posted by: Lakerfreak | April 28, 2006 at 01:05 PM
frank1rizzo,
Maybe it is just Detroit, but that wouldn't make sense, I'm sure Mark Cuban would bitch about that. I'll definitely have the picture of Kobe spraying that X as my desktop if it happens tonight.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 28, 2006 at 01:10 PM
I see Andrew Z, thanks for the fyi...I actually didn't know they do that.
speaking of 1985...man check out how much less they earned compared to today!
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1985.html
Posted by: Faith | April 28, 2006 at 01:27 PM
who cares about all these american games when people are dying in sudan
Posted by: inam | April 28, 2006 at 01:37 PM
You know what, I researched it and I think only Detroit does that. How's that for confidence?
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 28, 2006 at 01:38 PM
Imagine how much Magic, Kareem, James, Byron, A.C., and Rambis would be worth today.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 01:42 PM
inam,
and what are you doing to help stop the killing in darfur?
Answer is troll the Lakers Blog.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 01:51 PM
As far as the spray-painting the X's, it's not just Detroit. I saw Sammy Cassel doing it the other night and I remember the Lakers doing it in years past.
Posted by: Ford | April 28, 2006 at 01:53 PM
inam,
It's true! But it's the United Nations that has to do something about that!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 01:55 PM
Short Bio-Chrono Reading:
Coach Phil Jackson
Physical - Mentally orientated. Main motivating factors: Confidence, overcoming doubts, competition, courage.
Emotional - Spiritually/Creatively orientated. Main motivating factors: Emotional bonding, friendship, connecting with others.
Mental - Spiritually/Creatively orientated. Main motivating factors: Social union, intuition, social evolution, group benefit.
Spiritual/Creative - Emotionally orientated. Main motivating factors: Enlightenment, inner peace, ability to spontaneous creative expression from natural self, relationship with God.
Comments: Phil's got a great make-up; however, it is interesting to note that he and Kobe share the exact same inverted polarity (emotion versus spiritual life -- need to emotionally bond with others versus need to achieve personal enlightenment. People with polarities have much deeper potentials in life than people who don't; however it is much more difficult for them to achieve their potential.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | April 28, 2006 at 01:56 PM
inam,
I give the worlds problems their due time and energy, but if I sit around and spend all my time wallowing in what is wrong in the world, I might as well shrivel up and die.
I'm sorry for the people in the Sudan, and I wish I could do more, but until the Lakers either get eliminated from the playoffs or win the whole thing, I'm not going to spend much time thinking about them.
Sure, I might have punched a one-way ticket to hell, but its the playoffs baby, and I'm a Laker fan.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 28, 2006 at 01:56 PM
Yeah, I think the Spurs do the X crossing off thing, too.
Posted by: Mike S. | April 28, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Damn!! For somebody who blogs everyday you guys sure forget about any points I make!!! I said months ago that Kwame had the potential to be a double double guy!! Mind you, I haven't been his stauchest supporter the way Mike T has but damn!!! I think I'm talking to myself!! I'll just post to see my words on screen cause this blog is becoming real "clique-ish"!!! I hate sounding like a baby, maybe I'm takin this too far but everybody Mike T. like the ole sage is annoying!!
Anyway, good luck to the squad tonight!! We will win and I'm looking for a 15pt V!! Stick to the gameplan & avoid the mistakes Smush & LO!!!
Ya'll take it easy, enjoy the blog....
One Love!!!
Go Lakers!!!
P.S. Ya'll stay on top of Sonny...don't let him frustrate ya'll!!!
MITCH is done.....
Posted by: Mitch | April 28, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Short Lakers Bio-Chrono Readings:
Von Wafer
Physical - Emotionally/Mentally based. (Dual processing). Main motivating factors: Pleasure, fun, joy, confidence, overcoming personal insecurity.
Emotional - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Feeling appreciated, appreciating himself, feeling gratitude, feeling unique and special.
Mental/Social - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Feeling important, being understood, understanding his social role, clarity, (detail orientated).
Spiritual/Creative - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Enlightenment, feeling at peace with oneself, understanding oneself, being able to spontaneously express his creative passions.
Comments: Von Wafer is an incredibly emotional person. He also has the potential to be very selfish and prone to outbursts of anger. The central key to communicating with him is making sure he feels appreciated.
---
Jim Jackson
Physical - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Pleasure, fun, joy, happiness.
Emotional - Physicaly based. Main motivating factors: Enthusiasm, expressiveness, spontineity.
Mental/Social - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Feeling important, understanding his social role, clarity of communication of information.
Creative/Spiritual - Mentally based. Main motivating factors: Faith, believing in himself, commitment, long-term goals, following the "right" path.
Comments: Jackson has what we call in Bio-Chrono a "polarity". Basically, Jackson's spiritual and emotional processes throw each other out of balance. [Kobe has two polaries.] Life is a bit harder for people with polaries because they rarely feel in balance. However, if they are about to unify these opposites (Jim Jackson's need to spontaneously express his emotions without processing them, and his desire for long-term faith and direction) they have a much deeper potential than other people who do not possess a polarity. While Jackson's emotional health is very important to his overall sense of contentment; the most important thing for him is to bring his emotional and spiritual/creative processes into harmony with one another.
---
Aaron McKie
Physical - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Pleasure, fun, joy, avoiding/overcoming pain.
Emotional - Mentally based. Main motivating factors: Trust, feeling trusted, trusting himself, open and honest communication.
Mental - Physically based. Main motivating factors: Knowledge, feeling that he posesses enough information, feeling intellectually secure.
Spiritual/Creative - Mentally based. Main motivating factors: Faith, belief, science, long-term goals, correctness.
Comments: Aaron McKie will like sharing information and will be intellectually stimulated by facts/factoids. Open communication will be particularly important for him.
---
Devin Green
Physical - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Pleasure, fun, joy, security.
Emotional - Mentally based. Main motivating factors: Trust, feeling trusted, trusting in himself, open and honest communication.
Mental - Emotionally based. Main motivating factors: Feeling important, being understood, knowing his social role, clarity.
Spiritual/Creative - Mentally based. Main motivating factors: Faith, having someone/people to believe in, feeling others believe in him, long-term goals.
Comments: Devin has some processes we call in Bio-Chrono "loops". One which is very significant is his relationship between his emotional process and his mental/social process. When Devin is internally assessing his emotional state, he references his mental/social state. However, when referencing his mental/social state, he once again references his emotional state. This creates a "loop" of processing which may make it difficult for Devin to feel he has a definitive understanding of what going on in his life. Everything seems relative to everything else, so determining "truth" may be a difficult thing for him. This can lead to him "overthinking" life. He may feel he's always getting ahead of himself when coming to conclusions. He needs to slow things down a bit when analyzing things and work to unify his emotional and mental processes to achieve greater internal clarity.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | April 28, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Suns should play a better game tonight, as should the Lakers.
It's going to be a great series.
Phil will work his magic tonight, but it won't be easy. I don't see us crusing to an early 17 point lead as of last game.
I see a dog fight tonight with the Lakers coming out on top by four points.
Lakers in six games.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | April 28, 2006 at 02:00 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/27/AR2006042702349.html
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 02:07 PM
Mitch,
Kwame was destined to play well b/c he got out of Washington. Washington has a habit of drafting or trading for good talent. The talent, while in Washington is subpar or average. Washington trades them and then they flourish.
Thanks Washington.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 02:16 PM
LOL! Mitch, come on man. What do we get for spotting Kwame ahead of someone else? Nothing!
Anyway, wanna see something funny? My first post on this blog came under "The night Andrew Bynum became a rock star"
Go to "post-game thoughts," then under "The night Andrew Bynum became a rock star," towards the end of that thread you'll see my first Kwame comments.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Good call Steph. I have a friend who is a Washington fan and we were discussing this just the other day. They are the Expos of the NBA.
Posted by: Mike S. | April 28, 2006 at 02:25 PM
Mike T.,
And I was the one who wrote the Bynum post. Little did I realize it would lead to such a domino effect of Kwame campaigning. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 28, 2006 at 02:27 PM
LOL! AK...always trying to get the best of me. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 28, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Mike,
I witnessed this for the twelve years that I lived there. Think of all of the players that have passed through their organization.
Chris Webber
Juwan Howard
Ben Wallace
Richard Hamilton
Rasheed Wallace
Just to name a few and then they couldn't even keep Larry Hughes.
Great city...lousy organization.
Posted by: Steph | April 28, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Mike T.,
Nah. You know I'm happy for Kwame with the strides he's made the last couple months. I still think he has areas to improve upon and has to show he can do it for an entire season. But it's genuninely been nice watching his confidence grow.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 28, 2006 at 02:36 PM